10 Rock Bands Who Had Horrible Original Names

If you're trying to figure out a name for a rock band, you typically want to aim large in scope. Whether it's about universal emotions or just keeping it short and sweet, the band name should be something memorable but also general enough to connect with the public. Though Stone Temple Pilots had the right idea about thinking large, they were a long way away from their legendary moniker in the early 90's.

When they first started to gig around the clubs, the band typically went by Mighty Joe Young, named after the famed cinematic gorilla of the same name. Even if the famous primate was larger than life, the name was just a little too cartoony to put in front of the band's alternative rock sound.

Stressed to find a new name, the band started shooting the breeze one day after rehearsal about decals that they liked when they were kids. After mentioning the automotive brand name STP, the band were inspired and filled in their own moniker to fit the acronym. There a lot of cuts in the band's catalog that sound animalistic, but the name Stone Temple Pilots is a better musical stamp than cribbing from the animals of the big screen.